Bats

Latin Name: Chiroptera

Months of Activity: March - November

Eighteen species of bat are found in the United Kingdom and all of these are strictly protected by law in response to a dramatic decrease in their numbers – six kinds are officially classed as "endangered" and a further six have been designated "vulnerable".

Appearance

Bats found in the UK range from the tiny pipistrelle, weighing in at around 5g, to our biggest bat, the noctule - which is still smaller than the palm of your hand. All species are brown in colour and are strictly nocturnal.

Lifecycle

Bats start breeding in late May to early June. Female bats usually give birth to a single pup, which they feed on their milk. Young bats are very small (less than an inch) with thin, slightly grey fur. At six weeks old, the young bats begin to catch insects for themselves and no longer need their mothers’ milk.

September signifies the start of the mating season, with males of most species using special mating calls to attract females, which can include purrs, clicks, and buzzing. Mating season continues into October. By November, most bats have found suitable roosts for hibernating over the winter and will very rarely venture out.

Pest Control

Listed as "European protected species" a number of pieces of legislation – principally the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – protect bats and their roosts throughout the UK, making it illegal to kill, injure or disturb a bat and this includes blocking up any entrance holes they may be using.

Getting rid of bats from your home can be problematic because they're a protected species. Your best course of action would be to contact The Bat Conservation Trust, who can offer help and advice.

Latest News about Bats

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